When you’re dealing with stomach ulcer pain, you may shudder at the thought of going to sleep. Overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or an infection with the H.pylori bacteria can lead to stomach ulcers because they allow stomach acid to cause tissue damage. Because most ulcers can be healed with a combination of doctor-directed and home treatments, you can stop suffering and get some shut-eye now.

First Method First of Three Methods: Changing Your Sleeping Posture

Keep your head elevated while you’re sleeping if it’s at all possible. Gravity works in your favor when you keep your upper body elevated, making it more difficult for stomach acid to reach your ulcer and irritate it. As a bonus, sleeping on your back reduces the pressure on your digestive system, which can help alleviate ulcer pain. Sleeping in this position, however, may not provide much relief if you have a stomach ulcer in that area of your body. Even so, giving it a shot is definitely worth it.

• Make your bed more comfortable by using a wedge pillow or wooden blocks to raise the head of the bed. If you have trouble sleeping in this position because it is so uncomfortable, you could be doing more harm than good. Instead of sleeping on your back, consider sleeping on your side. You can alleviate some of the pressure on your stomach by placing a pillow between your knees.

Lay on your left side if you prefer to sleep on your side. Aside from sleeping on your back, there are several other options to consider. Your digestive system is arranged in a way that may cause less ulcer pain if you stay on your left side.
For some people, this might be a better option than sleeping on their backs because of their ulcers. It’s possible that placing a pillow between your knees will help you sleep better on your side.

Keep your digestive system from being compressed by sleeping on your stomach. If you have a stomach ulcer or other acid-related issues, you should avoid sleeping in this position (such as GERD). If you’re a stomach sleeper, try to get used to sleeping on your back or left side instead. In addition to being more taxing on your back and neck, sleeping on your stomach is also the least comfortable.

Making a Sleep-Friendly Environment is Method 2 of 3.

Drinking coffee and eating large meals in the evening can lead to sleep deprivation. Begin preparing for bedtime several hours in advance! Avoid consuming caffeine before or after dinner, and perhaps even after lunchtime. Stay away from large meals and snacks within three hours of going to sleep. Discourage children from using electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets an hour or more before bedtime. Caffeine interferes with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep.

• Consuming food within three hours of going to bed makes you feel bloated and uncomfortable, as well as increasing the production of stomach acid. Electronic screens emit “blue light,” which may disrupt your body’s circadian rhythm, which controls your sleep cycle. Try to use dimmable lights whenever possible, and lower their intensity as the night progresses. As a result, you’ll be able to get a better night’s sleep.

2
Establish a regular bedtime routine to help you wind down and drift off to sleep. You can get your body ready for sleep by adhering to a consistent nighttime routine. Complete a series of sleep-inducing activities for about an hour before bedtime! Taking a warm bath with Epsom salt and up to 20 drops of lavender essential oil could be a good first step.
As you soak in the tub, use your hands to massage your legs, arms, and neck.
Making your bed and listening to relaxing music while getting ready for tomorrow.

• Praying or contemplating.
  It’s possible to unwind by: * Listening to soothing music, or * Perusing a calming book, or

3
Make sure your bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark so you can sleep well. Even if you’re in pain, you’re more likely to sleep through the night if your sleeping environment is conducive to doze-offing. Measures like these might be worth a shot:
The more darkness you can achieve, the better. Remove all light sources from the room, including night lights and bright clock displays, and use blackout curtains to block out the light. A temperature of 65–68 °F (18–20 °C) might be a good starting point.

• Keep windows and doors closed to minimize outside noise, such as traffic. White noise machines can also be used to block out distracting noises.
• The best way to get a good night’s sleep is to have the right mattress, bedding, and pillow in place. Air purifiers with a HEPA filter can improve the air quality in your home. To help you get to sleep, it can also produce a calming humming sound.

4
With the help of your doctor, treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. You can’t get enough sleep, and if you don’t get enough rest, you’re more likely to suffer from stomach ulcers. Since the two issues are intertwined, it’s best to address them both at once. Talk to your doctor about diagnosing and treating any sleep disorders you have in addition to getting medical treatment for your stomach ulcer. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to death. It also increases your risk of stomach ulcers.

Method 3: Treating Your Symptoms of an Ulcer

1
Medical professionals should provide you with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Stop waiting for it to go away, and don’t assume you have a stomach ulcer just because it’s there. Instead, see a doctor and have any necessary tests done to get a proper diagnosis. After that, you’ll talk about which treatment options are best for you. You’ll feel a burning pain in the center of your chest, usually right under where you put your breastbone. While nausea and vomiting are less common, bloating is a common symptom. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, go over your medical history, and perform a physical exam to determine if you have a stomach ulcer. Endoscopy, which involves a camera being inserted into your esophagus while you’re sedated, may also be required.

2
As directed, take one or more acid-lowering medications. Although excess stomach acid does not cause ulcers, it can exacerbate their symptoms. Your ulcer should heal more quickly if you reduce the amount of acid in your stomach. * Antacids, which are over-the-counter (OTC) medications that neutralize the acid in your stomach. These aren’t ulcer-healing agents per se, but they can lessen ulcer discomfort.
These are H-2 blockers, which reduce the amount of stomach acid that enters your body. Prescriptions for these may be made to alleviate pain and aid in ulcer healing.
PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) are acid secretion inhibitors that are even more effective than H-2 blockers. To aid in the healing of your ulcer, your doctor may prescribe a PPI for a short period of time or for the long term.

If you have a bacterial infection, you should take an antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. Antibiotics can help relieve your symptoms and heal your stomach ulcer if the infection is due to the H. pylori bacteria (and only if it is). Antibiotics will not help an ulcer that has another underlying cause. As with any medication, follow the directions on any antibiotics you’re prescribed to the letter.

In order to diagnose your stomach ulcer, your doctor may conduct a breath test to look for signs of an H. pylori infection. To treat a stomach ulcer, you may be prescribed two antibiotics and a PPI for two weeks.

4 If NSAID pain relievers are contributing to your ulcer, reduce your intake. The most common causes of stomach ulcers are H. pylori infections or long-term use of NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen. As a result, cutting back or stopping the use of NSAIDs may help your ulcer heal faster. Rather than taking ibuprofen, your doctor may recommend that you take acetaminophen.

• If you’re taking an NSAID prescribed by a doctor, don’t try to self-treat a suspected ulcer by stopping your medication. First and foremost, consult your doctor.

Take a cup of chamomile tea before going to sleep to ease your aches and pains. Steep a bag of chamomile tea for 4–5 minutes in hot water in a mug. If you’re experiencing any discomfort from the ulcer, sip your tea while it’s still hot. Consume as many cups of chamomile teas as desired, which you can get at your local grocery store* (if you prefer). Antioxidants in chamomile and anti-inflammatory properties in chamomile can reduce stomach acid and speed up the healing process of an ulcer.

Using essential oils in aromatherapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Add a few drops of clove, cinnamon, thyme, or lemon essential oils to a diffuser filled with distilled water. Allow your mind and body to relax by taking deep breaths while running the diffuser. Aromatherapy can be used at any time of the day or night.

Identify foods that aggravate your symptoms and avoid them at all costs. There is no evidence to support the claim that spicy foods cause ulcers, but they can certainly worsen their symptoms! The best strategy is to keep a diary of what you eat and how bad your ulcer symptoms get in order to figure out what foods are aggravating your pain. Do your best to avoid or limit the foods that cause flare-ups once you identify them.

• Chocolate, mint, and fried foods are among the most common triggers, but you may have different preferences. In some cases, drinking carbonated beverages or eating dairy products can temporarily alleviate the pain of an ulcer, but the effects wear off quickly.
• In order to monitor your eating habits, consider keeping a food diary.
• Eliminate certain foods from your diet for a few days at a time on an elimination diet. Attempt to avoid that food in the future if you begin to feel better.

Reduce your alcohol consumption and quit smoking. Smoking can cause an increase in stomach acid production, which can exacerbate the symptoms of a gastric ulcer. As a result, the pain of an ulcer can be worsened by drinking alcohol. Both can have a significant impact on your symptoms if you avoid them.

9 Reducing stress may help alleviate the symptoms of an ulcer. Stress, like spicy foods, is often blamed for causing stomach ulcers that aren’t there. Despite the fact that stress isn’t the cause of your ulcer discomfort, it can make it more noticeable. Smoking, drinking excessively, and snacking on unhealthy “comfort” foods can all lead to an increase in ulcer pain when under stress.

• You can find healthy ways to relieve stress, such as light exercise, meditation or prayer, yoga or tai chi; deep breathing; mindful techniques; experiencing nature; or talking to a good friend.
• Talk to a mental health professional if you’re having a hard time handling stress.

10
Additional medical assistance should be sought out for ongoing or severe conditions. Even though it may take longer, following a doctor’s recommended treatment plan can alleviate symptoms of a stomach ulcer in as little as two to three weeks. As your treatment progresses or falters, keep in touch with your doctor to discuss changes in the plan. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Begin to urinate blood or blood-like substances (which looks like coffee grounds).
• Constantly suffer from diarrhea or vomiting.
• Get a fever that lasts for a long period of time.
  Observe black and tarry-looking dried blood in your stool.
  If you are experiencing severe pain or bloating, see a doctor.
  Develop yellowing of the skin and eyes (yellowing of your skin and eyes).